#246 of 1001 · April 3, 2021

In the pages of Celia by Christelle Vallat and @stephanie_augusseau (originally published in Belgium as “Zélie”), we encounter a character who truly changes the world around her for the better. The members of a small community amass worries and fears over the course of each week. Then, every Sunday, they go to Celia’s house. Celia provides a vital service: each visitor may approach her and quietly whisper their troubles. As they spill out their hearts, they grow more relaxed, more content. The people pay her in seeds, which Celia spends the rest of the week miraculously transforming into balloons, apples, flowers, and stars, to the delight of all nearby. When a young boy loses his seed and cannot pay for a turn to express his sorrows, Celia patiently works with him until he feels safe and comfortable again. Vallat’s metaphorical tale contains deep insight into the nature of anxiety and the value of a sympathetic, nonjudgmental ear. Augusseau establishes a minimalistic landscape in black, white, and gray, reserving bright colors for the wonderful seeds and, subtly, for the flush of happiness in a contented cheek. #worry #fear #sadness #happiness #seeds #magic #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks